In a pivotal meeting yesterday, the Policy and Advocacy Committee of the Kenya Property Developers Association met with the Governor of Nairobi to discuss critical issues affecting the built environment. The discussions focused on key challenges facing the sector, with an emphasis on practical solutions to foster sustainable urban development.
Notably, the Governor displayed an impressive grasp of the realities on the ground, demonstrating deep knowledge of the sector’s pressing concerns. His proactive approach and commitment to addressing each issue systematically signal a strong resolve to enhance Nairobi’s built environment.
As the city continues to expand, meaningful collaboration between policymakers and industry stakeholders remains essential in ensuring a well-planned, investment-friendly, and sustainable urban future. The ongoing engagement between the association and the Governor represents a significant step toward policy-driven solutions that will shape the future of Nairobi’s real estate and infrastructure landscape.
Githunguri Central Kitchen continues to gain national recognition as a model for sustainable food programs and community nourishment. On Thursday, the facility welcomed a high-level delegation from Kigumo Constituency, led by their Member of Parliament, Hon. Kamau Munyoro. The visit, hosted by Githunguri MP Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, was part of an ongoing effort to share best practices in food security and nutrition.
The benchmarking tour provided an opportunity for Hon. Munyoro and his team to explore the kitchen’s operational efficiency, sustainability measures, and the broader impact of centralized food preparation on local communities. Discussions centered around how the model could be adapted to benefit Kigumo Constituency, particularly in enhancing school feeding programs and ensuring food security for vulnerable populations.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Munyoro praised the initiative, noting that it serves as an excellent example of how structured and well-managed community kitchens can provide lasting solutions to food insecurity. “What we have witnessed here in Githunguri is remarkable. This model is not only ensuring access to nutritious meals but also creating employment opportunities and empowering local farmers by providing a stable market for their produce,” he remarked.
Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, a dedicated champion for development in Githunguri, has been at the forefront of transformative projects aimed at improving the lives of her constituents. Her efforts in spearheading community-driven initiatives, including Githunguri Central Kitchen, have significantly contributed to addressing food insecurity, boosting local agriculture, and improving education through feeding programs in schools.
During the visit, Hon. Wamuchomba emphasized the importance of collaboration among leaders to scale up such initiatives across the country. “Githunguri Central Kitchen is proof that with the right vision and commitment, we can create sustainable solutions to food insecurity. I am happy to share our experiences with Hon. Munyoro and his team, and I encourage more leaders to embrace such community-based projects,” she stated.
Under her leadership, Githunguri has seen remarkable progress, with investments in key sectors such as education, infrastructure, and economic empowerment. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting the people of Githunguri has made her a key figure in advocating for policies that enhance food security and community well-being.
As more leaders seek to learn from Githunguri Central Kitchen, the facility continues to stand out as a beacon of innovation in community-driven food solutions. The insights gained from the benchmarking visit will play a crucial role in shaping similar initiatives in Kigumo and beyond.
With leaders like Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba and Hon. Kamau Munyoro championing transformative development, the future looks promising for community-based food programs aimed at ensuring no Kenyan goes hungry.
Nairobi, Kenya – Faith Odhiambo, the President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), has extended a heartfelt congratulatory message to Namibia’s newly inaugurated President, recognizing her ascension to the highest office as a historic milestone for both Namibia and the African continent.
In a powerful statement, Odhiambo expressed her hope that the new leader’s tenure would mark the beginning of transformative growth for Namibia while also setting a global benchmark for women in leadership. She emphasized that the election of a woman to the presidency is not just a personal achievement but a victory for all women who aspire to break barriers in governance, policy-making, and leadership.
“As you take office, may this day serve as the beginning of transformative growth for Namibia. May your tenure serve as a benchmark for women leaders across the world and an inspiration to all to not only accept but support the quest for equal opportunity,” Odhiambo remarked.
Her message comes at a time when the global movement for gender equality continues to push for greater representation of women in leadership roles. Despite significant progress, women remain underrepresented in key political and executive positions across many nations. Odhiambo’s statement aligns with ongoing efforts by advocacy groups, legal professionals, and policymakers to champion inclusive leadership that reflects the diversity of the populations being governed.
Recognizing the weight of responsibility that comes with leading a nation, Odhiambo further encouraged the new Namibian President to embrace the challenges ahead with resilience, integrity, and vision. She highlighted the high expectations placed upon women leaders and called for the world to not only celebrate their achievements but also actively support them in navigating the complexities of governance.
“May the burden and expectation upon you not bog you down but be a driver for sustained dedication, integrity, and vision as you blaze the trail for a nation and a continent,” she added.
Odhiambo’s remarks resonate deeply in Africa, where women leaders continue to rise despite systemic challenges, societal biases, and institutional barriers. The election of Namibia’s first female President marks a significant step toward greater gender inclusivity in leadership and governance.
As Namibia embarks on this new chapter, the world watches closely, hopeful that this presidency will be a model of excellence, transformation, and inclusive progress. Congratulations, Your Excellency. Serve with distinction
Embakasi South is on the verge of transformation, and Jared Oundo is ready to lead the charge. With a deep sense of gratitude, he acknowledges the unwavering support, prayers, and encouragement from the people, affirming that their trust in him fuels his commitment to delivering meaningful change.
As he sets his sights on the 2027 parliamentary seat, Oundo envisions a constituency that thrives in all aspects—strong infrastructure, quality healthcare, better schools, and economic opportunities for all. His leadership, he says, will be defined by action, accountability, and a relentless pursuit of progress.
Access to basic services remains a major challenge for many residents, and Oundo is determined to change that. He plans to push for a constant water supply and stable electricity connections, ensuring that homes and businesses no longer suffer from unreliable services. Education is also at the heart of his agenda, with a promise to build a modern boys’ school and ensure that scholarships and bursaries reach deserving students transparently.
Healthcare is another critical issue that Oundo intends to address by lobbying both county and national governments to improve public hospitals across all wards. Quality medical care should not be a privilege but a right for every Embakasi South resident.
Beyond basic services, Oundo understands that economic empowerment is key to improving livelihoods. He pledges to create an environment where businesses can thrive, making it easier for entrepreneurs and traders to operate. By tackling joblessness and supporting small businesses, he believes he can uplift the local economy and enhance the living standards of his people.
His vision is bold, but his determination is stronger. He believes Embakasi South is a sleeping giant ready to rise again, and with the right leadership, the constituency can reclaim its lost glory. His call to the people is simple—walk with him on this journey, and together, they will build a better future.
“If you take me to the next Parliament, great people of Embakasi, I will work to ease doing business and eradicate joblessness. By so doing, I will ensure your living standards improve. So help me, God.”
With passion, dedication, and the people’s support, Jared Oundo is confident that Embakasi South’s best days are ahead.
Greenpeace Africa, the Kenya Peasants League, and BIBA Kenya have welcomed the recent landmark ruling by the Court of Appeal, which temporarily halts the importation of genetically modified (GM) crops into Kenya. Speaking at a joint press conference in Nairobi, the organizations lauded the decision as a critical victory for farmers’ rights and food sovereignty, especially as the country approaches a crucial seed litigation case in May.
Elizabeth Atieno, Greenpeace Africa’s Food Sovereignty Campaign Lead, praised the ruling as a triumph for Kenyan farmers and consumers, emphasizing that the temporary halt on GMO imports provides an opportunity to reassess agricultural policies, promote agroecological solutions, and focus on securing strong legal protections for farmer-managed seed systems in the upcoming May litigation.
“This case is not just about farmers; it affects every Kenyan. When farmers lose control over seeds, we all lose. We lose access to diverse, healthy, and affordable food. We lose our ability to adapt to climate change. We lose the rich biodiversity that has sustained our food systems for centuries,” added Atieno.
Ann Maina of the Biodiversity and Biosafety Association (BIBA Kenya) emphasized the threat posed by corporate seed monopolies, stating that the struggle for seed sovereignty is a battle against corporate control over livelihoods and food systems. She expressed that the decision is not only a victory for farmers but also a reaffirmation of their rights to save and exchange seeds without interference. Maina stressed that farmers must have control over their seeds, which form the essential foundation of the food supply, and noted that farmer-managed seed systems have sustained communities for generations. She warned against allowing corporate interests to monopolize seed heritage and compromise food sovereignty.
“GMOs are presented as a quick-fix solution to hunger, but in reality, they create more problems than they claim to solve. They are not introduced in isolation; they come with a reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, creating a cycle where farmers must continuously invest in costly inputs to maintain yields,” warned Maina.
Cidi Otieno from the Kenya Peasants League highlighted the significance of the upcoming case, stating that the seed litigation case in May will be crucial in determining the future of Kenya’s food systems. He explained that they are fighting not only against GMOs but also for the protection of indigenous seed varieties, farmers’ rights to save and exchange seeds, and the preservation of agricultural biodiversity. He emphasized that the struggle is about securing food sovereignty for generations to come.
A farmer representative expressed concerns, stating that farmers are the custodians of seeds and food systems and warning that if laws criminalize their right to save and exchange seeds, they will be forced into permanent dependency on multinational corporations. The representative emphasized that farmer-managed seed systems are climate-resilient, cost-effective, and culturally significant, and called for laws that recognize and protect them.
The conference highlighted agroecology as a viable, farmer-centered alternative to GMOs. Advocates stressed the importance of agroecology in promoting biodiversity, restoring soil health, and enhancing climate resilience while safeguarding farmers’ rights to seed sovereignty.
Earlier this month, the Court of Appeal issued an order blocking the government from taking any further action to permit the importation of genetically modified (GMO) crops and foods into the country.
Appellate judges Patrick Kiage, Weldon Korir, and Joel Ngugi issued the order following an appeal filed by advocate Paul Mwangi and the Kenya Peasants League.
A two day day irrigation stakeholder conference takes place in Nairobi capital where delegates gathered at the KICC for the ambitious launch of the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan ( NISIP). The theme of the plan launch conference is: Excelerating investment in irrigation for good security and social economic empowerment. The launch seem to echo good times ahead full of food security in the country.
The plenary had one constant message that irrigation is what is going to make Kenya great. Speaker after speaker lauded the plan launch which they said was timely and that it has come at a better time saying that Kenya without irrigation will never feed itself.
The PS state department of Irrigation, Ephantus Mburu told the press that since their coming into operation, currently there are 74,7000 acres under irrigation in the country. He said out of that about 83,000 acres were done under the last 2 years and that it has led into increase in production most specifically on the rice value chain. The PS also asserts that the launch of NISIP intends to put additional 1 million hectares under irrigation to be able to make at least 50% of potential land under irrigation in the country.
Currently, because of additional acreages under irrigation especially in the public schemes, rice production has increased to 293,000 metric tones which is an increase of over 50%.
The launch is an engaging event bringing together farmers, irrigation water users association( IUWAS), Aggregators, large corporate farmers, Digital platform companies, policy makers, research institutions among others.
In a significant step towards strengthening gender equality in agriculture, Oxfam International and its partners have launched a Gender Analysis Report for the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). The report, developed in collaboration with various stakeholders, aims to address the persistent gender disparities that hinder women’s participation and benefits in the agricultural sector.
The launch, held on Wednesday in Nairobi, brought together representatives from the government, non-governmental organizations, and international partners to discuss the challenges faced by women in agriculture and the strategies needed to overcome them.
Jackline Makokha, Director of the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate at Kenya’s State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, emphasized the critical role women play in agriculture. “Agriculture contributes significantly to Kenya’s GDP, and women form a substantial part of the labor force. Yet, they continue to face systemic, cultural, and economic barriers that limit their access to resources and decision-making,” she said.
According to Makokha, despite existing policies promoting gender equality, women often lack ownership of agricultural land and access to financial resources. These challenges are compounded by cultural norms that prioritize men in decision-making processes and economic opportunities. Makokha highlighted the need for effective implementation of affirmative action policies that support women’s engagement in agricultural enterprises and government procurement opportunities.
The CAADP program, launched in January 2025, marks a new 10-year development strategy from 2026 to 2035, aiming to enhance food security and sustainable agriculture in Africa. Speaking at the event, Wanjiku Wanjohi, Senior Gender Advisor at Oxfam, underscored the need for a gender-responsive framework aligned with continental commitments, such as the Maputo Protocol and the African Union Gender and Women’s Strategy.
“We have noted a misalignment between pan-African gender perspectives and the CAADP framework. Our goal is to ensure evolving issues affecting African women in agriculture are addressed, including the impacts of the climate crisis and limited access to productive assets,” Wanjohi stated.
She stressed that while progress has been made in recognizing gender issues at the policy level, there is a need to move beyond rhetoric. “African governments must budget for gender and establish dedicated funding to support activities that empower women in agriculture,” she added.
The Gender Analysis Report also highlights the devastating impact of climate change on African women farmers. As central figures in agricultural value chains, women not only produce food but also play roles as retailers, distributors, and consumers. However, climate-related challenges have compromised food quality and increased vulnerabilities, particularly when women lack access to land and water resources.
The development of the report represents a collective effort involving grassroots women’s rights organizations, international development partners, and various regional networks. “It’s not just a single voice from one region; it’s a comprehensive agenda that takes into account perspectives from across Africa,” Wanjohi remarked.
Other stakeholders represented during the launch included, the African Kilimanjaro Women Farmers Forum, the African Food Systems Parliamentary Network, ActionAid International, the African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), and the SDG2 Advocacy Hub.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the agriculture sector is a major employer of women globally–with women constituting over 50% of the agricultural labor force in many countries–making them critical to the production of both food and cash crops, and to the health of rural economies overall.
Kenya’s tourism sector received a boost as the Viking Sky cruise ship docked at the Port of Mombasa for a three-day visit, carrying 845 passengers and 4\69 crew members from across the world.
Speaking during the official welcoming ceremony, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano extended a warm reception to the visitors, emphasizing Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings.
“In this part of the world, we say ‘Mgeni njoo, mwenyeji apone,’ which means visitors bring a sense of goodwill to their hosts. Feel most welcome!” Miano said.
The Viking Sky, flying the Norwegian flag, follows closely on the heels of another Norwegian cruise ship, the Norwegian Dawn, which docked in Mombasa just a month ago. Miano noted that the presence of these vessels underscores Kenya’s growing appeal as a cruise tourism destination.
She highlighted the impressive diversity aboard the Viking Sky, with passengers from 14 international jurisdictions and a crew representing 40 nationalities, including 19 Kenyans.
“To me, as the Minister in charge of tourism, I see in you tourism ambassadors from 54 countries around the world,” she remarked.
Encouraging Kenyan crewmembers working in the cruise ship industry, Miano urged them to promote Kenya’s tourism potential to travelers they interact with.
“By sharing the marvels of our motherland, you can inspire more tourists to visit, helping boost our arrival numbers and strengthen our economy,” she added.
As the visitors embark on their excursions, Miano expressed hope that they would carry fond memories of Kenya back home and spread the word about the country’s beauty.
“While you explore Kenya’s diverse attractions, I hope you will enjoy your stay and share your experiences with friends and family. Kenya is a destination worth including in every traveler’s holiday circuit,” she concluded.
With the increasing number of cruise ships docking in Mombasa, Kenya continues to position itself as a premier tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the globe.
I have been silently following this rich debate with great interest. As a mathematician and educator, I appreciate the diverse perspectives on whether mathematics should be made compulsory at the senior school level under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Given my background in education and policy, I believe this discussion is crucial for shaping a system that truly serves all learners.
These are my honest views for the ongoing public participation:
The Origin of CBC and Its Implementation in Kenya
Kenya borrowed the idea of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) from countries such as Finland, Canada, Singapore, and South Africa, where learner-centered education systems focus on practical skills, problem-solving, and holistic development. However, while these countries had structured, well-funded, and phased implementations, Kenya rushed the rollout without adequate teacher training, infrastructure, or clear policy frameworks, leading to confusion, resistance, and mixed results.
For example:
Finland phased in CBC over several years, ensuring teacher readiness and proper learning resources.
Canada integrates multiple mathematics pathways, allowing students to take applied, academic, or workplace math based on career aspirations.
Singapore places strong emphasis on teacher training and well-developed curricula to ensure students grasp mathematical concepts effectively.
South Africa faced challenges similar to Kenya, including rushed implementation and resistance, which led to frequent curriculum revisions.
Kenya should have benchmarked not just the idea, but also the implementation process, ensuring structured training, phased adoption, and alignment with local realities before full implementation.
Merits of Making Mathematics Compulsory
Foundation for Critical Thinking – Mathematics fosters logical reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical skills essential for both academics and daily life.
Career Relevance – A strong mathematical foundation ensures students do not limit their future career prospects in STEM, finance, and data-driven fields.
Global Benchmarking – Leading education systems emphasize mathematics as a core subject due to its role in economic and technological advancement.
4. Economic Competitiveness – Kenya’s Vision 2030 depends on a workforce skilled in mathematics, which is fundamental to digital transformation and innovation.
Demerits of a Blanket Compulsory Policy
Mass Failures and Psychological Pressure – KCSE results show that many students struggle with mathematics. Forcing all students to take advanced mathematics could lead to high failure rates and disengagement.
Diverse Career Interests – Not all career paths require advanced mathematics. Creative arts, social sciences, and humanities may benefit more from applied numeracy than pure mathematics.
3. Teacher Preparedness and Resource Gaps – Many schools, especially in rural areas, lack qualified mathematics teachers. Making mathematics compulsory without addressing quality concerns may widen the education gap.
The Larger Issue: Mass Failures in KCSE
Beyond the mathematics debate, Kenya is grappling with widespread failure rates across multiple subjects. The key causes include:
Rote Learning Over Conceptual Mastery – Many students memorize content instead of understanding concepts. CBC aimed to change this but has faced implementation challenges.
Teacher Training Deficiencies – Educators were not adequately prepared for CBC, leading to ineffective teaching approaches.
Exam-Oriented System – The continued emphasis on final KCSE exams contradicts CBC’s promise of competency-based assessment.
Socioeconomic Barriers – Underfunded schools, inadequate learning materials, and economic hardships impact learning outcomes, particularly in marginalized areas.
My Proposed Way Forward
A Flexible Mathematics Curriculum
Instead of a rigid “compulsory for all” model, introduce multiple mathematics pathways:
Pure Mathematics for STEM careers Applied Mathematics for business, agriculture, and technology
Basic Numeracy for humanities and creative fields This mirrors successful models in Germany, Canada, and Australia, ensuring mathematics is accessible and relevant to all students.
Teacher Training and Pedagogical Reforms
Enhance teacher training programs to improve math instruction.
Introduce digital learning tools to make mathematics more engaging.
Shift from exam-oriented teaching to practical, real-world applications of mathematics.
Rethink KCSE and Assessment Models
Implement continuous assessment instead of relying on a single high-stakes exam.
Use project-based learning to help students apply math in real-life scenarios.
Address Socioeconomic Barriers
Increase funding for underprivileged schools to bridge disparities.
Strengthen career guidance to help students choose pathways aligned with their abilities.
Encourage parental involvement in supporting academic growth.
Final Thoughts: What Kenya Should Have Done from the Start
When CBC was being crafted, a globally benchmarked, research-driven framework should have guided subject selection at senior school. The current rigid structure does not accommodate students’ diverse strengths and aspirations.
Instead of making mathematics compulsory in its pure form, Kenya should adopt a competency-based, career-aligned approach that ensures numeracy for all while allowing specialization. This would:
Reduce failure rates
Cater to diverse talents
Prepare students for real-world careers
Align with global best practices Kenya must learn from countries that successfully implemented CBC and adjust its strategy to focus on structured implementation, proper teacher training, and clear subject pathways. This is how we truly equip our learners for the future while maintaining high educational standards.
This is my professional and honest submission to the ongoing public participation. Let’s get it right for our learners and the future of Kenya.
Dr. Paul Sharp Mathematician | Educator | Education Policy Advocate Founder & CEO, Sharp Education Center & Junior School Honorary National Treasurer, Unified APBET Schools Association (UASA) Kenya Board Member, Gravity CBC Centre Email: infosharpschool@gmail.com
Limuru, Tuesday, 18th March 2025 – Hon. Eng. Kiragu Chege, the Member of Parliament for Limuru, reaffirmed his commitment to empowering women through digital literacy as he joined participants for the Ajira Digital Program entrepreneurship training at the Limuru ICT Hub.
The two-day training, held next to the Limuru Law Courts, was designed to equip women with the necessary digital skills to expand their businesses and tap into online job opportunities. Speaking at the event, Hon. Kiragu emphasized the transformative power of digital technology in creating economic opportunities for women.
“Empowering women with digital skills is a crucial step toward financial independence. The online economy is full of opportunities, and I encourage all participants to leverage these skills to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods,” said Hon. Kiragu.
To celebrate the conclusion of the program and mark Women’s Month, a cake-cutting ceremony was held in honor of the women who took part.
Hon. Kiragu reiterated his dedication to supporting digital literacy and entrepreneurship initiatives, ensuring that women in Limuru have access to the resources and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s digital world.
